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Elderly Man Attacked After Denying Assailant Permission to Marry

James Kane, 40, now faces a charge of felony aggravated domestic battery on a person 65 or older. The attack reportedly occurred after the 72-year-old victim refused Kane permission to marry his girlfriend.
James Kane, 40, now faces a charge of felony aggravated domestic battery on a person 65 or older. The attack reportedly occurred after the 72-year-old victim refused Kane permission to marry his girlfriend.

Marion County resident James Kane admitted he beat his 72-year-old father after the elderly man refused to give Kane his blessing to marry.

According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office report, Kane, 40, was arrested Monday at 5:31 p.m. on a charge of felony aggravated domestic battery on a person 65 or older. The victim sustained two cuts on his face, one on his left cheek and the other on his forehead, about two inches long. His face was also red and bruising. Blood was found on his face and shirt.

Kane told deputies he asked for permission to marry his own girlfriend. However, when the victim refused, Kane became angry. He then admitted to repeatedly punching the victim.

The victim told deputies he did not want to press charges on Kane; instead, he said he fell down the stairs. Both the victim and the woman who reported the incident said Kane is bipolar and had not been taking his medications for some time. According to the report, Kane had taken them the morning of the incident.

Kane was taken to the Marion County Jail.

Katie is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.